Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based education and prevention tool to improve the public’s knowledge of mental health and substance use problems.

Learn the importance of early intervention. Learn the risk factors and warning signs for mental health and substance use concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and how to connect youth to appropriate care.

Similar to traditional First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid is the help offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis resolves.

1. Preserve life when person may be a danger to self or others,
2. Provide help to prevent the problem from becoming more serious,
3. Promote and enhance recovery,
4. Provide comfort and support

Mental Health First Aid helps people respond appropriately when someone is distressed, offer initial support and be a link to resources.

Mental Health First Aid is a program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments.

The course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; and provide initial help.

A young person you know could be struggling.
Sometimes first aid isn't a bandage or CPR.
Sometimes, first aid is YOU.

Anyone, anywhere can make a difference in the life of someone with a mental health or substance use challenge – if they know what to do and what to say. Our Youth need us.

The more teachers, coaches, youth group leaders, parents and school support staff trained, the more students will benefit from accessing the help that they need. The ability to recognize that a young person’s lack of focus, bullying behaviors or failure to turn in assignments may be linked to an underlying mental health or substance use problem is an important step in supporting them effectively.

Youth Mental Health First Aid helps people know that mental illnesses and addictions are real, common and treatable and that it’s okay to seek help.

• Mental health issues in youth are common and becoming more common during the pandemic
• Stigma is associated with mental health problems
• Many people are not well informed
• Professional help is not always on hand
• People often do not know how to respond in times of need
• People with mental health problems often do not seek help

WHO SHOULD TAKE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

• Parents
• Teachers & School Staff
• Coaches
• Social Workers
• Faith Leaders
• Camp counselors
• Youth group leaders
• People who work with youth

Youth Mental Health First Aid is intended for all people (18 years or older) and organizations that make up the fabric of a community, including hospitals, nursing homes, parent organizations, social clubs, faith community, chambers of commerce, professional associations, rotary clubs, and professionals who regularly interact with people (such as police officers, human resource directors, and primary care workers).

Teachers and support staff need the appropriate tools to engage students who might be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis just as they would be trained to address physical health emergencies. Studies demonstrate that early detection and treatment of mental health and substance use problems in adolescents can make a difference in not only emotional wellness, but also in their academic success.

Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well.

• Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. It is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to support an adolescent (grades 5th-12th) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
• Youth Mental Health First Aid is currently being taught online by certified instructors.
• The course consists of two components: (1) a self-paced introduction to YMHFA and a Zoom tutorial completed prior to the online course, and (2) a 5-hour online session lead by certified instructors focuses on teaching the application of skills that will allow adults to become certified Youth Mental Health First Aiders.
• Participants receive a 3-year certification upon completion.
• The course provides an opportunity to practice — through role plays, scenarios, and activities — making it easier to apply these skills in a real-life situation.
• An overview of local mental health resources, support groups, and other help are provided.
• Participants receive a resource manual packed with information on all topics covered in the course.
• WHAT IT COVERS
  • Common signs and symptoms of mental illnesses in this age group, including:
    Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Attention deficit hyperactivity
    disorder (ADHD), disorders in which psychosis may occur
  • Common signs and symptoms of substance use.
  • How to interact with an adolescent in crisis.
  • How to connect the adolescent with help.
• The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches the ALGEE action plan.
  • Assess for risk of suicide or harm
  • Listen non-judgmentally
  • Give reassurance and information
  • Encourage appropriate professional help
  • Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Let us know if you would like to coordinate a private class for 30 people to train in your organization, church, or group. The adult course is available in both English and Spanish.